Fr. Benedict has written previously about faith and sorrow (Arise from ; Darkness) and seeks in this book to study catastrophes of all different kinds in relationship to our faith in divine providence, in God's goodness and mercy, and finally in the light of Christ's suffering and death. Christianity is the only religion which speaks of a God who suffered a terrible catastropheùcrucifixion and death. Therefore, the Christian must, in the midst of catastrophe, find his way to the foot of the cross, and there he will find answers which cannot be given by any other religious faith.
All religions attempt to deal with catastrophe, all confront the mystery of suffering and of evil. Christianity invites you to share the burden of your catastrophe with the person who is our Savior and Redeemer, one who Himself endured great pain and sorrow, the son of God, Jesus Christ.
Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR is the director of the Office of Spiritual Development for the New York Archdiocese. He has written numerous books on the spiritual life and pastoral counseling. He is a member of the Franciscans of the Renewal who preach evangelical reform and work with the homeless in the South Bronx.